The Black Yorkshireman Chiedu Oraka recently opened up about his love of wrestling to Wrestlesphere, but also touched on growing up in Hull and the challenges he faced.
Check it out below:
The Black Yorkshireman Chiedu Oraka discusses his favourite Attitude Era moments, growing up in Hull
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Kev Curran talks to Dom Smith about the mission of Inspired Youth to motivate people (young and old) who are looking for some hope in the city of York, UK.
For more visit: https://inspiredyouth.org/
Listen:
Watch:
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“It’s mind blowing to me that we are the only brand bringing 50/50 gender balance of talent across our shows, I hope for the wider industry that this is the one and only year we are able to make that claim and other nights follow suit”
Sophia Kearney, Co Founder, HE.SHE.THEY.
HE.SHE.THEY. the international free-thinking, inclusive clubbing collective and event brand returns to Ibiza for 2022 across July, August & September.
Friday 29th July
A-Z
Anastasia Kristensen
Cassy
Chaos in the CBD
Effy
FKA.M4A
Freddy K
Horse Meat Disco
Juliana Huxtable
LSDXOXO
Mall Grab
VTSS
Wax Wings
Willow
Friday 26th August
A-Z
Cinthie
Derrick Carter
Floorplan
Horse Meat Disco
Jennifer Cardini
Kittin
Maze & Masters
Maya Jane Coles
Patrick Mason
TIGA
Friday 9th September
A-Z
Ben Klock
Gerd Janson
Hector Oaks
Maya Jane Coles
Mella Dee
Midland
Rebekah
SITA
SYREETA
Fresh from celebrating Pride Month with parties from fabric London to Chicago pride and a Glastonbury takeover, Nomadic inclusive rave HE.SHE.THEY detail the full line-ups for its return to Ibiza across three huge shows at Amnesia.
Now that the global mecca of dance music has embarked on its biggest season in many years, HE.SHE.THEY’s curation of global DJ talent is revealed in full across its summer shows. The line-ups both represent the edgier, underground side of electronic music and the diversity of race, sexuality and gender that were historically at the heart of the roots of house and techno.
“In a post pandemic, more socially conscious society it’s so important for the music industry to not just talk about the importance of inclusivity but to celebrate intersectionality in our world through representation. You can’t be what you can’t see. It’s mind blowing to me that we are the only brand bringing 50/50 gender balance of talent across our shows, I hope for the wider industry that this is the one and only year we are able to make that claim and other nights follow suit” Sophia Kearney, Co Founder, HE.SHE.THEY.
The music line-up for HE.SHE.THEY.’s Ibiza 2022 proudly achieves a 50/50 gender balance and platforms individuals from a range of different intersections; fully embracing the culture of diversity and inclusion, and its importance in creating the original Ibiza’s feeling of togetherness and hedonistic attitude.
From the opening party in July, Amnesia’s club room, will showcase the best in techno and electro leaning artists while the hallowed Terrace is set to be the He.She.They home of house, disco and all things else.
Speaking on the season ahead HE.SHE.THEY. co-founders, Steven Braines & Sophia Kearney said,
“The Amnesia shows are what we think Ibiza is when it’s at it’s best – edgy, interesting and diverse in terms of both music and the people playing the music. It was also important to us, especially, with the current increase in costs of living to offer a financially accessible option on the island. Our early entry option offers a drink and club entry for 35 euros which we feel for the volume and calibre of entertainment on offer is an affordable, fresh and exciting offering. – Steven Braines, Co Founder, HE.SHE.THEY.
Growing rapidly in community and support, so far, the event series has held parties across the globe from New York to Mumbai, and first landed on the white isle of Ibiza back 2018 as the official IMS opening party. The party also holds residencies at Fabric (London), Watergate (Berlin) and Amsterdam (Shelter).
On why Amnesia in 2022 is the perfect time for an Ibiza return HE.SHE.THEY. co-founders, Steven Braines & Sophia Kearney explained,
“Amnesia has always had a really mixed set of nights from Pyramid and Cocoon to La Troya and Manumission. It feels like HE.SHE.THEY. is almost a child born from that legacy, incredible music but with a sense of experimentation that’s been missing from the island a little bit. In fact, Martin Ferrer Vega from Amnesia, was the first person who ever wanted to do a HE.SHE.THEY. when we pitched it at ADE, but it wasn’t quite ready for a 5,000-capacity show until now.”
The line-up includes Anastasia Kristensen – Ben Klock – Cassy – Chaos in the CBD – Cinthie – Derrick Carter – Effy – FKA.M4A – Floorplan – Freddy K – Gerd Janson – Hector Oaks – Horse Meat Disco – Jennifer Cardini – Juliana Huxtable – Kittin – LSDXOXO – Mall Grab – Maya Jane Coles – Maze & Masters – Mella Dee – Midland – Patrick Mason – Rebekah – SITA – SYREETA – Tiga – VTSS – Wax Wings – Willow.
There will, of course, be many dancers too, from the LGBTQIA+ scene around Europe and beyond, from puppies and drag queens to aerialists and fire breathers to set the tone as a night where the only thing that will limit you is your own imagination.
HE.SHE.THEY. carries one message, “a place without prejudice, where people can be people”. EVERYONE is welcome from all genders, sexualities, and races. EVERYONE is equal at HE.SHE.THEY. and all we ask is that those attending do everything from a place of love, kindness, mutual respect, and consent.
Alongside safeguarding affordability via half price drinks available from 9pm – 11.30pm for tickets bought in advance, there will be no strict dress code with experimentation is firmly encouraged.
HE.SHE.THEY. will take place at Amnesia, Ibiza, Friday 29th July, Friday 26th August and Friday 9th September – Tickets available here.
For more and HE.SHE.THEY party FAQs:
https://www.heshethey.me/faq
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Today Sounds of Saving (SoS) release a new installment of their “Song that Found Me At The Right Time” series. In partnership with the American Association of Suicidology, they share a Q&A with Alicia Bognanno (who records under the name Bully) as well as her take on PJ Harvey’s “Dry.”
Bully shares: “A lot of musicians, like myself, are sober and dealing with mental health. I think it’s 85% of artists, or something, struggle with mental health. I have a link on my fridge for a suicide prevention hotline because you never know when people are going to need that. And people aren’t really vocal about it, so that should be readily available at all times.” SoS say, “we are thrilled to work with Bully on this, as Alicia is not only a great artist covering a classic PJ Harvey song but has been refreshingly candid and down to earth about her experience of living with Bipolar 2 disorder. While mental health conversations can often be vague and cliché, Alicia shares her story in such a real way that it makes us all feel more comfortable being open about our experience and how we manage it.” Watch the clip here:
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Now More Vital Than Ever
A music project set to begin this month for young deaf adults will go ahead with the team at Fisher Gate Point in Nottingham saying it is now more vital than ever.
With a number of young people already signed up, the Be Scene and Heard project will kick off with a virtual meet and greet session on 23 January, followed by three weeks of workshops and activities delivered online from 25 January to 12 February.
A limited number of places are still available and organisers are keen to urge those who may not have been able to attend in person to get in touch if they would like to take part in the virtual project. It isfully funded by Youth Music and open to young people aged 18-25 who may be fully deaf or partially deaf.
With an exciting mix of mentors drawn from professional West End performers to singers, vocalists, instrumentals and filmmakers on board, the project will offer a range of opportunities suitable for all abilities.
Music promoter Will Robinson, I’m Not From London, is leading the project and said: “We’re absolutely determined to deliver a fantastic project even though it will now be online. It would be wonderful to think we could connect a community of deaf and hearing young people with a passion for music through this project. Having something where people can express themselves and work with others on a creative project will be invaluable especially at a time when we are all stuck at home and cut off from each other.”
With 12 million people experiencing hearing loss across the UK – one in six of the population – the project aims to break down barriers and develop confidence by bringing together deaf and hearing young people with the mentors to create music and videos.
Deaf actor/dancer Joseph Fletcher and West End musical theatre performer Molly May Gardiner – who have worked with choreographer and director Mark Smith of Deaf Man Dancing which fuses dance with sign language – will be lead mentors on the project, along with singer, songwriter and producer Rudi (https://www.instagram.com/rudimusique), vocalist Ben Hellings,a previous winner of Future Sound of Nottingham and a vocal coach (Ben Hellings Vocal Academy), filmmaker Fred Glenister, who documented the award winning Circle of Light project and deaf student Owen Brindley.
Participants will have opportunities to get involved in songwriting, recording, performing and producing music videos with a team of videographers, music producers and professional musicians to help facilitate as required.
Nottinghamshire Deaf Society has welcomed the new project.
Jon Giles, Nottinghamshire Deaf Society Chief Executive said: “Despite the constraints of the pandemic it is really exciting that this project is going ahead. There are few opportunities for young deaf people to engage in the arts in an accessible way so this is a fantastic chance to have a go. We look forward to seeing the results of this project”.
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Soundsphere Magazine are pleased to present KEEP TALKING—a brand new podcast centered around the music industry in lockdown presented by Stewart Baxter, drummer in Hull based band LIFE.
Supported by funding from the Disabled Entrepreneurs Network, Soundsphere commissioned a locked-down Baxter to record a series of podcasts with the simple goal to re-connect, catch up, and check in with musicians and friends he has met along the way.
Launching on Friday 18th September 2020, for the first episode Baxter speaks to Primal Scream bassist Simone Marie Butler, who has also performed and recorded with artists including James Williamson (The Stooges), Faris Badwan (The Horrors), Ed Harcourt, Zak Starkey, and more.
The pair first met when Baxter performed live on her Soho Radio show a couple of years ago. Over the course of their candid chat we hear about Simone’s early musical memories, her journey as a bass player, and she talks openly about mental health and the experiences of being a touring artist. The pair also discuss Simone’s recent work as a spokesperson for the #letthemusicplay campaign, lobbying for government support to keep the live music industry afloat during this unprecedented year.
Commenting on the project, Baxter says: “When I’m touring with LIFE I meet so many wonderful and interesting people, but we rarely get a chance to have a proper chat between the constant movement. Allowing time to talk and listen is an important thing, right now more than ever. These podcasts are an open and honest discussion about life, art, and everything in-between, and a chance for myself and my guests to take time out to just hang out and catch up.”
The remainder of the first series will also include interviews with Lee Kiernan (IDLES), Jehnny Beth, Chris Slorach (METZ) and more TBA.
An alternative music and culture media brand for the North of England and Worldwide, Soundsphere was created by editor Dom Smith, who was winner of the National Diversity Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence (Disability) in 2012. He has been voted “one of the happiest people in the country” according to The Independent on Sunday, and has also carried the Paralympic Flame for the city of York.
He also works as part of Wobbling About and Rocking Out promoting disability and mental health awareness, and has written for The Metro, Rock Sound magazine, WhatCulture, The Quietus, T3 magazine, NME, Stuff magazine, Metal Hammer magazine and more.
Commenting on the new project, Smith says: “Stew is the beating heart of Hull’s music scene. His love and dedication to maintaining the area’s creative soul for young people, and the wider arts community, is something I’ve admired for more than a decade. I have wanted to work with him for a long time, and I’m proud that we could launch this podcast through Soundsphere, and pick the brains of some of the best and most dedicated musicians and artists in the world.”
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Mary and The Ram’s Dom Smith (who has Cerebral Palsy) returns under his producer guise, DOM SITH in July. “‘Playthrough of The End Times’ is a reflection of the here and now,” says Sith.
“It’s the video game soundtrack, or playthrough to our descent into darkness. I find comfort in making music at this time, and whatever you find comfort in, I hope you can dig this.”
The video was produced and edited by Leeds, UK-based alternative artist Witch of The East: https://www.facebook.com/WitchotEast/
For more information on Dom Sith, visit: https://www.instagram.com/dom_sith/
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Venus Furs, the moniker of Montreal’s Paul Kasner, has shared the latest video, Paranoia directed by Hart. The single is taken from his upcoming self-titled LP released on Silk Screaming Records on July 10th.
Doused in swirling guitar, Paranoia carries a tenacity that matches the song’s theme – a powerful exploration of mental illness examining the isolation and pain brought on from depression and anxiety. Paranoia offers solace to those struggling with mental illness.
On the track Kasner explains, “I wrote Paranoia as an examination of mental health, attempting to explore the feelings of depression and anxiety. The video attempts to capture the associated feelings of isolation and alienation, running after and away from yourself, and the discomfort of being alone whether in a crowd or by yourself. Coincidentally, it was filmed just before social distancing was put into effect – a foreshadowing to the isolation we are all currently experiencing.”
Director of the video Hart explained, “The making of this video was a unique experience. For me, anxiety is a combustible nervous energy of caring too much about small details. At the time of shooting, I felt out of place in my home and in the world, roaming the city at night while feeling more and more isolated. We did our last night of shooting just a week before the quarantine began, with all the editing being done while the pandemic unfolded. This brought an entirely new meaning to the word isolation and the experience of anxiety and stress. This video attempts to capture all those feelings.”
Paranoia follows previous singles, Page Before, Living in Constant,and Friendly Fire. All tracks will feature on the S/T album released on July 10th that you can pre-order now from Bandcamp.
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